According to police, around 8:48 p.m. on Monday night Lewiston Police Officer Tom Woods was doing a traffic stop on 16th Avenue and 13th Street. Officer Woods had pulled the car over because they did not have a license plate. Officer Woods also knew the car had just left a home known to be frequented by a wanted fugitive.

Police said as Officer Woods interviewed the driver, identified as Angelia Barnett-Harrell, he heard a noise coming from the trunk. He asked the woman if the person in the trunk was Jesse Harrell, 20, of Lewiston. Jesse is Barnett-Harrell’s son, and was wanted on outstanding prior warrants.

attempted ambush

Barnett-Harrell immediately answered “it’s a toy gun, don’t shoot him.” Shortly after that, Officer Woods saw the trunk open and called for backup. As he went to secure the trunk, Harrell sprung the trunk lid open and was holding a firearm in his hand. The gun turned out to be a replica, and not real.

Once Harrell jumped out, Officer Woods grabbed him and they fell to the ground where Officer Woods was able to strip the gun away from Harrell. As they continued to wrestle on the ground, other officers arrived and were able to put Harrell in handcuffs.

Harrell was taken to the Nez Perce County Jail and booked on outstanding warrants. He also faces new charges of resisting/obstructing an officer and battery of an officer.